www.calodging.com January/February 2023 13 he Industry Outstanding Lodging Employee of the Year, Small Property Miguel Lopez, Bernardus Lodge & Spa For more than 20 years, Tim Sherman, as Bell Captain and Miguel Lopez as valet were the pillars of the arrival and departure experience. They were brothers in arms, embodying loyalty and dedication above all else, and their daily duet became an essential Bernardus experience for loyal guests and locals alike. Last July, Tim tragically passed away without warning. As in shock as he was, Miguel was resilient, calm and open-hearted. From his home, he fastened a simple black ribbon to his uniform as a symbol of remembrance and mourning, and returned to work. Every local, every returning guest, every associate has a story about Tim. And Miguel gave them each the gift of an open ear, along with grace and dignity as he took the time to truly hear what they were saying. More than anything, Miguel showed us all that it is possible to live, smile and grieve at the same time. Many Bernardus employees wore and continue to wear black ribbons on their uniform to honor the leader we lost—and in support of the leader that has emerged. Miguel exemplifies what it is to have a heart of hospitality and a soul of a leader. Outstanding Lodging Employee of the Year, Medium/Large Property Keith Defiebre, Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa Keith demonstrates his commitment to memorable service every shift. One example of his thoughtful and outstanding service happened when a guest called for a wheelchair to be delivered to their room. Keith was on the job. He not only brought them the chair as requested but was later observed pushing the woman who requested assistance to a restaurant on nearby Cannery Row. He let them know to call for him when they were ready to come back. He then went back to the restaurant and wheeled her back and this was several blocks away. Keith also has been an elite level cyclist for over two decades competing professionally and representing the U.S. Recently he was in the Philippines to promote women’s bicycle racing. He supplies his team there, the Keith DeFiebre cycling team, with bikes and equipment, enabling them to train while he is back home, an expense that comes out of his pocket each year. He is an outstanding example of a hospitality professional who represents the best in our profession in Monterey County, but also represents the state proudly.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTY1NDIzOQ==